Climate change is real and we see its effects through severe storms that hit in 2024 and 2025. Yet, many of us still think protecting the environment is a job for the government, not our responsibility.
Right now, the air in cities like Hanoi is hard to breathe. If we don’t confront the truth today, our children may face a future where fresh air is a luxury.
Recently, a disturbing issue surfaced: widespread manipulation of environmental data. Nearly 160 monitoring stations across various provinces have been tampered with. This represents 55% of all such stations in the country. It’s not just minor errors; it’s a serious problem.
The heart of these monitoring systems is the Data Logger. This device collects and sends data on pollutants like BOD and SO₂ to authorities. Despite having security measures in place, some individuals manage to manipulate the data by using specific software. They alter actual pollution levels, sending false data that appears safe.
With more than half the monitoring systems compromised, untreated toxic waste may be flowing into our rivers and air. This poses a risk to water and air quality, and increases health problems for the public. The accuracy of this data is crucial for assessing environmental limits, which impact major projects that can harm our ecosystems if approved based on misleading data.
This issue isn’t exclusive to Vietnam. In China, a similar problem occurred in Linfen city in 2017, where pollution levels were routinely obscured to meet targets tied to official promotions. In contrast, India has seen success with a new policy in Gujarat. Companies now contribute fees into a central fund, and independent auditors are randomly assigned to check the data. This method reduced false reporting by up to 80%.
To tackle this in Vietnam, we need a funded auditing system like India’s. Companies should pay fees into a state-controlled fund for honest monitoring. Furthermore, we should utilize blockchain technology to secure data right from the point of measurement. This would make it almost impossible to alter the information later.
Implementing strict penalties for those involved in falsifying environmental data is essential. Treating these offenses as grave as ecological terrorism could deter wrongdoing. Additionally, we should adopt an “open data” policy, allowing citizens to access real-time emission data from local factories. This would empower communities to hold industries accountable.
The recent case involving 74 suspects in manipulating environmental data is a wake-up call for Vietnam. It’s an opportunity to improve our environmental governance. We need to ensure that data reflects reality, serving as a foundation for protecting public health.
It’s time for everyone to take charge of their environment. Let’s not pass the buck anymore; we all have a role in safeguarding the air and water for future generations.
Nguyen Phuoc Thang (Hoa Binh University)
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Environmental security, air quality,
